The Cologne regional court turned down Bwin's suit

Online gambling group Bwin had a disappointing result this week in its bid to get the German states' ban on Internet gambling suspended pending a federal court ruling on the issue.

The Cologne regional court turned down Bwin's suit, opening the company to fines if it does not comply, reports Reuters news service.

Bwin spokesmen confirmed the court decision but said the company would continue to offer its betting and gambling services despite the ruling. It reiterated its view that Germany's ban on Internet gambling violated European Union rules and it will continue to challenge it in the courts.

It may be well into 2009 before the superceding ruling of the Federal Court on the legality of the ban imposed by the states is known.